25 years after its introduction, the 993 Twin Turbo remains a stunning performance machine. Its specification bears remarkable similarity to the 959 that stunned the motoring world ten years before that, including 6-speed manual gearbox, all wheel drive, twin turbochargers, 400+hp, which permit 0-60 in the low 4 second range. Today, the 993 is especially appealing to traditional Porsche enthusiasts not only for its fantastic performance, but also because it is viewed to be the last of the original 911s. It is the last of the air-cooled cars, and those familiar with a 1965 911 will instantly recognize the dashboard, doors, and greenhouse as being the same, despite the passage of over thirty years between the two cars. When asked why the door design was unchanged for so long, Porsche Design Chief Harm Lagaay simply replied ‘it’s a good door’. The more recent car has of course been updated and bears all of the modern equipment expected of a car of this caliber, and as the last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993 generation cars enjoy a deserved reputation as one of the most desirable Porsches ever made.
This particular 993 Turbo was sold new by Carlsen Porsche in Palo Alto, California on the 16th of November 1995. Finished in iconic Arena Red with Classic Grey interior with hard back sport seats, the car was well-optioned, with an original MSRP of $108,345 according to its original window sticker, which comes with the car. The car's current owner purchased it on the 12th of August 1998 with 21,988 miles on the odometer after specifically seeking an Arena Red example to match the spec of the car in the iconic "Kills Bugs Fast" print advertisement. In March of 1999, he purchased European springs from Carlsen, which lower the car slightly to its originally intended height. He used the car regularly for approximately ten years, at which point he stopped driving the car for several years. In 2018 at 93,486 miles, he had significant recommissioning work done at a cost of over $20,000. This included rebuilt turbochargers, updated turbo oil feed lines, full major service including all fluids, fresh fuel, new battery, refurbished fuel injectors, flushed fuel tank and lines, new clutch slave cylinder and accumulator, new steering rack boots, new rear drop links, new motor mounts, and a new fuel level sender.
Today, the car runs and drives extremely well. Cosmetically, the paint shows crazing and swirls although the balance of the car is cosmetically attractive. Lights, glass, and lenses are in good condition, although there is a minor chip in the right fog lamp. Gaps and panel fit are generally good other than wide gaps where the front fenders meet the doors. The black exterior trim is in excellent shape. The interior is in great shape, with light wear to the driver's seat, but excellent switchgear, instruments, headliner, carpets and leather dashboard. The undercarriage is dry and solid, with very nice floor pans, suspension, and driveline components.
This is a great opportunity to acquire a 993 Turbo that begs to be driven. Mechanically sorted and well-dialed, it is a pleasure to drive, while its mileage and condition make it an ideal example to use extensively without fear of ruining a perfect car. The car comes with service records back to the late 1990s, as well as its original window sticker, tool roll, compressor, books set (including stamped service book), and jack.
